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Graceful screamers embrace the Ottobar stage

Taylor Deboer

Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Arts & Society
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On Thursday, the New York City based band, The Walkmen, performed at the Ottobar. Although most categorize them as indie rock, the group tends to create their own genre, especially when performing live. They are currently touring to promote their latest album,
Media Credit: http://www.cmj.com
On Thursday, the New York City based band, The Walkmen, performed at the Ottobar. Although most categorize them as indie rock, the group tends to create their own genre, especially when performing live. They are currently touring to promote their latest album, "A Hundred Miles Off."
In a time when New York City defined the hipster indie rock scene with bands like The Strokes, Interpol and The Hold Steady came an uncategorized band, one with little association to contemporary music.

Years later, The Walkmen are still around and have yet to shy away from their rough edged, unusual music that has made them one of America's best kept secrets. After their show on the Jan. 24, which featured their face-melting counterpart from the Big Apple, The White Rabbits, I was reassured of their staying power as an underground commodity. They strolled out on stage as nonchalant as ever, the lead singer Hamilton Leithauser with his sport jacket on and Beck's beer in hand, gracefully clutched the microphone as he belted furiously for a very short and concise hour set. With little talking, and a shy persona, The Walkmen walked off the tiny stage at the Ottobar, as calm as they entered.

The Walkmen's first two albums, "Everyone Who Pretended to like Me is Gone" (2002) and "Bows + Arrows" (2004) received more acclaim than their latest record, A Hundred Miles Off, which was even rawer than their earlier material. Thier show on Jan. 24 definitely followed that mold, making it evidently clear that The Walkmen are not looking for commercial success but continued respect from their devoted fans. A non-member might find him/herself completely lost and uninterested at a Walkmen show.

Both opening bands that played were very entertaining, but I was truly impressed with White Rabbits, the six-person New York City band that has obviously taken influence from The Walkmen. Their youth and enthusiasm presented a nice contrast from the simplicity of The Walkmen. Their two drummers and fervent keyboardist made their set highly entertaining and energetic. The high point of the show was their seven minute version of Bob Dylan's, "Maggie's Farm" to close the set.
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